More and more businesses are becoming increasingly dependent on the internet for their daily processes — messaging, customer service, cloud management, online meetings, and even payment systems all rely on a stable internet connection. Depending on the industry, some may lose more than others during an internet downtime. That points to the question, is it worth it to get back up internet for my business? Short answer, definitely yes if your business requires a stable internet connection to operate smoothly.
That leads to the next question, what is the best type of back up internet for my business? Well, there are a lot of options out there but they all have their own unique advantages. Let’s talk about the different types of back up internet solutions available and what might work best for your business:
1. Fiber Internet
Fiber internet remains the most reliable type of internet in the market, but the downside is that it’s not yet widely available. This is because its infrastructure is expensive to build, so it will require many funds to make fiber available in all parts of the country. If your primary connection is already fiber, it’s usually not recommended to have the same type of connection as your backup. However, if you don’t have fiber as your main internet connection and it’s available in your location, it can be an excellent backup option due to its speed, stability, and low latency.
If you ever choose this type of internet, you have to look for a reputable internet provider to make sure your back up internet for business really works. For example, Metro offers reliable fiber optic internet across the United States. This provider is already well-established and known for its strong customer service.
2. Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is a great solution for businesses in areas where traditional broadband or fiber connections just aren’t available. This makes it especially handy for companies located in remote or rural regions. While satellite internet might not be the fastest option out there and can have higher latency (meaning it might take a bit longer for data to travel), it offers a reliable connection when other options fail. It’s also the most accessible type of internet in the market because it doesn’t rely on local infrastructure like cables or phone lines.
3. Mobile Hotspots
Mobile hotspots might not be the fastest option out there, but it’s a simple and budget-friendly back up internet option for small businesses. One of the best things about this option is that they’re portable and easy to set up, so you can take them anywhere you need. Just remember that the performance varies depending on how strong the cellular service coverage is in your area.
Right now, the most reliable cellular technology is 5G and 4G. If you’re going to opt for a mobile hotspot as your back up internet, make sure that it’s either of the two so you can enjoy faster speeds and a more stable connection.
4. Cable Internet
Cable internet is the next most reliable internet type after fiber internet. It can compete with fiber when it comes to speed. However, there are some disadvantages when comparing it to fiber. One of them is that it tends to have higher latency compared to fiber, which can cause slight delays when performing tasks that require real-time data, like video conferencing. And since cable internet is a shared service, the connection can slow down during peak usage times when many people in the same area are online.
However, despite these minor disadvantages, it still remains a reliable type of backup internet for business, especially if fiber internet is not available in your area. It’s also a cost-effective option, so if you’re on a budget, cable internet plans may work better for you than fiber plans.
The Bottom Line
The best type of back up internet for businesses is surely fiber internet. However, the better option would always be what’s available in your area. You can’t go wrong with the four back up internet options we’ve shared with you. Whatever’s most accessible in your area is your best choice, regardless if it’s fiber, 5G/4G, cable, or satellite.
